In December, 60 Minutes ran a story about diploma mills; how you can log onto the Internet and purchase a degree in almost any field. One diploma mill was Hamilton University, not to be confused with Hamilton College. It actually had a “campus” in Evanston, Wyoming. How do you get a degree from such a place? As 60 Minutes put it, your “assignments” consist of writing a short paper and a big check.  

The shocking part was the number of high-profile executives who bought degrees from such diploma mills including our regions own Jack Pelton, President and CEO of Cessna Aircraft Company, who has two degrees in Aerospace Engineering from Hamilton University. Cessna officials issued a statement saying, "Jack Pelton […] was hired as Cessna's vice president of engineering based on the merits of his experience […] and has earned the title of president and chief executive officer as a result of his continued great work and strong leadership […] his strong track record of professional success continues to make him an asset to both Cessna and Textron."

The reaction of Cessna employees as a whole was not so positive. Many had hoped that Pelton would step down. Instead, with the retirement of Russ Meyer, Pelton will take the title of Chairman in addition to President and CEO. This should make us angry. Some of us actually work to obtain a degree. People like Pelton, who have not earned their credentials, should make us feel cheated. Some of us study hard to get through school; all he did was write a big check.

Honor should be prized. It is about respect. Whether or not he lost his position, what Jack Pelton did was wrong. His story is an example of how choices made in the past can haunt you in the future. Be honest in reaching your goals and take great pride in what you earn. Continue to work toward your goal of graduating, of earning a degree. Good luck on your honest road to success!